James Broderick III, 58, of New Milford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a federal extortion charge, admitting his role in a brutal loan shark scheme that left one victim permanently injured. The plea marks a critical blow to a shadow economy that thrived on fear, threats, and physical intimidation.
According to court documents, in late December 2015 to early January 2016, Broderick lent a man approximately $1,500 with a predatory condition: $1,500 plus $500 in interest due within four days. When the man failed to pay, Broderick enlisted Howard Hammer to collect the debt. Hammer sent threatening text messages warning of physical harm, screenshots of which were forwarded directly to Broderick. The two discussed seizing the victim’s car — not just as collateral, but as punishment.
On January 25, 2016, the victim suffered permanent bodily injury directly tied to Broderick and Hammer’s collection efforts. The exact nature of the injury was not detailed in court filings, but federal prosecutors emphasized the lasting consequences of Broderick’s criminal enterprise.
Beyond this violent episode, Broderick repeatedly preyed on a second victim through usurious loans charging at least 10 percent weekly interest. Over three years, he collected more than $20,000 in interest alone. When payments lagged, Broderick resorted to threats of violence to enforce repayment, crossing the line from predatory lending into outright extortion.
Broderick pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in the collection and attempted collection of an extension of credit by extortionate means — a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on March 1, 2017. Currently, Broderick remains free on a $200,000 bond.
Howard Hammer, also of New Milford, pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 2, 2016, and has been detained since his arrest on May 27, 2016. The FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, New Milford Police Department, and Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton is prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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